To Be Different, Do Different

The unique DNA programming of a rainmaker is what allows them to produce when others are not. These individuals perceive their situations different, which causes them to speak different, which results in them doing different.

It is this doing different that reveals the difference of rainmaker. When things are tough, the average continues to operate much the same old way. They may increase the amount of what they do, but is doing just more of the same o’ same o’. Not with the rainmaker.

Rainmakers become innovative, changing their approach to their situations. They think outside the box, creating their opportunities. If the door gets shut in their face they look for a window (NOT ANOTHER DOOR – GET IT). I like what Zig Ziglar says: “If life gives you a bowel of lemons, make lemonade!” Now that’s a rainmaker attitude and actions.

Spiritual Rainmakers

In the kingdom, because rainmakers see and speak different, they do different things. They say “funny” things like: “rise up and walk” and “Be healed.”

After Elijah stated hearing the sound of the abundance of rain, he got busy with prayer. I do not know if anyone else in Israel had thought to pray to Jehovah about the drought probably not, after all they were backslid. Yet Elijah did what the others were not.

Six times Elijah prayed and after each time he sent his servant to look: each time nothing. But Elijah kept praying. After the seventh time the report came back of a small cloud forming. Elijah stopped praying and instructed the servant to go tell Ahab to get going so he would not get caught in the rain.

Because rainmakers perceive different, they can persevere when things are tough. Elijah did not give up after the first six reports. He heard different, he knew different, he spoke different. So he did different – he kept on praying.

Spiritual rainmakers: perceive different, speak different and keep on doing different even in the face of adversity.

Food for thought –

What are you doing different that reveals you are a rainmaker?

Speaking Your Reality

Rainmakers are unique individuals - they have the ability to make things happen. They produce when everyone else is making excuses.

The makeup of a rainmaker is different from others. The DNA of who they are, causes them to perceive their situations different. This then triggers the second key component of their makeup - they speak different.

The words of a rainmaker are very different from the average individual. Those of the mediocre masses speak of limitations: how bad the market it, how tough the customers are, how it is not as good as it used to be. On the other hand, the rainmaker, because they see different, speak of opportunity. The rainmaker does not deny the difficulty, but they speak with a different intent and approach to the situation.

In our previous post, we spoke of Major.OP Smith. When he and his marines were totally surrounded, Maj. Smith saw a different opportunity and expressed it with different language. He is recorded as replying "Excellent!" "What do you mean Major?" "Are you crazy?" No, just verbalizing an internal difference. Even today, you can almost feel his intensity - "Excellent!"

Kingdom Rainmakers
Spiritual rainmakers have a different language also; it is a language of faith. Elijah heard God say He was sending rain. Elijah's response was to tell Ahab to get up, eat and drink or have feast, because I hear the sound of the abundance of rain.

Notice, it had not started to rain yet. it was still hot and arid with a drought induced famine. Yet Elijah was speaking different. He was speaking what he perceived above and beyond the obvious physical conditions. He was speaking what he knew in the spirit realm.

Kingdom rainmakers are those who are led by the Spirit, declaring what the Spirit is revealing. It is not in existence in the temporal realm - yet; but they speak what they know as if it is being experienced in the here and now.

Influence
The rainmaker's programming to speak different allows them to have a significant influence on individuals.

• Major OP Smith was able to lead his men to safety. Obviously, they trusted and followed him because of what he spoke.
• Ahab arose and did what Elijah told him to do.

The words of a rainmaker are powerful - they influence others to do or be, beyond their present circumstances.

Food for thought -
In these current economic times, are you speaking as a rainmaker?

View Empowering Moments VBlog here

Rainmaker - Git R Done

Are you a rainmaker? These individuals,regardless of industry or profession, are the producers: the top salesperson, marketer or the leader that makes things happen. The identifying mark of a rainmaker is that no matter the present circumstance they make things happen.

Because a rainmaker can make it happen,
they can make a difference.

Rainmakers make a difference because they are wired different. The DNA of who they are will not accept the mediocrity of the masses. The status quo is the plague to rainmakers. You cannot box them in with the traditional paradigms.

Spiritual Rainmakers
Just like the market place, the Kingdom has rainmakers. These are the individuals that make a difference in their worlds by being different. This individual is also wired different: at their new birth experience they are programmed with the spiritiual DNA of the King and designed to express Kingdom truths.

Kingdom rainmakers are passionate abou thier purpose in the kingdom and will stop and nothing to make it real.

• They will seem out of place in the church of mediocrity.
• They will be talked about by the apathetic religious institution.
• They will be challenged by the traditional ecclesiastical structure.

Yet, they will persevere and make it happen!

Jesus was a rainmaker.

• His DNA was unique.
• He knew His purpose.
• He was criticized by the religious establishment.

Yet He made it happen.

There are four key characteristics of a rainmakers DNA that are manifested:

1. They perceive different
2. they speak different
3. They do different
4. They demonstrate different

In the coming days, I will blog on each of these in a little more detail - stay tunded. I want to challenge us all to be Kingdom Rainmakers.

till next time
Martin

View Empowerment Moment, vblog - click here

UPDATE

It has been too long since I have posted anything. This past month has been very hectic: two trips overseas and hosting a conference here at home. Some of the highlights include:

Cape Town SA - We had the privilege to be one of many speakers at a Kingdom Advancement Leadership Conference. The hunger for greater illumination of the Kingdom of Heaven was obvious. For our part, we ministered the principles of Apostolic Authority. It was so humbling to see the Lord confirm His word with such a powerful demonstration of the Spirit.

Another exciting point in the conference: a local pastor was discussing with me a shoulder problem (since he found out I was a doctor). After a short consult, I advised that he could put ice on it. Then a nudge of the Spirit and I said "Or if you believe Jesus can heal you, we can pray for you." We laid hands on his shoulder and rebuked the inflammation. I then asked him how it was. The look of excitement on his face was priceless. As he began to rapidly move his shoulder in motions that he could not do 30 seconds earlier, he replied "I don't feel it any more!" Praise the Lord.

Okinawa Japan - Again we had the privilege to minister the principles of Apostolic Authority. This time it was with Missionaries Rufus and Pam Parker and the Asia Military Ministries. The majority of the people present were either military or their dependents. There were a few native Japaneses present also.

Once again I was so impressed by my God. The first night we covered two session so of Apostolic Authority: Having the right mindset & What is Apostolic Authority. When we finished teaching and opened it for prayer, there was such a powerful demonstration of the Spirit. I believe the Lord definitely imparted into the spirits of those present.

During the meeting there was an elderly Okinawan lady who limped forward and asked us to pray for her hip. We simply laid hands on her and rebuked the pain and inflammation, loosing the healing power of the Lord. The next night I watched her walk in without a limp. I watched a couple more days, then on Sunday I asked her about her hip. She said "Oh yes, I meant to tell you the pain was gone!" Praise the Lord.

Albany GA - Once we returned back to Albany, 3 days later we hosted the South GA X-Treme. This was a Spirit packed weekend. In all the services there was illumination and impartation of spiritual understanding and authority. Many claimed they were touched and healed of various afflictions.

It is such a wonderful opportunity to be part of the Kingdom of Heaven. In these last days, Jesus is seeking those who are hungry and open to His illumination. Those who respond will find a place of spiritual authority that they have only dreamed of.

till next time
martin

Is The Battery Good?

I do not know if you have had the opportunity to look inside many pulpits. You know, many of big older ones have cabinets or shelves in them. It is amazing what you will find. This space is a convenient one to quickly slip something after you have finished using it for the service.

The other day, I looked inside the one we have and I noticed along with everything else, two 9v batteries that we use for our cordless mic, lying on the shelf. Naturally, my next thought was: “Are they any good?” “Do they have any power in them?” How could I tell? They were just lying there. They looked in good shape; they looked like a battery should. Yet the only way to find out was to put them to use.

This illustration can be used of many of us in Christianity. We can have the appropriate look; say the right things and project the typical Christian image. Yet – how do we and the world know we have the power we speak of? How do we prove to the world that we know Jesus and He is as wonderful and powerful as we declare? The answer is the same as the batteries – we must be put to use!

Throughout scripture, Jesus is recorded as empowering people. Within this empowerment, there is either an explicit or implied command to go and do something with the power. (Matt 10:1, 28: 18,19, Mk 3:15, Lk 10:19). It was in the actions, the power was demonstrated.

Each one that is born again of the water and the Spirit is like a spiritual battery. Within us, God has placed a gifting and method for the gift to operate. As we are put to use, we will see the power placed in us revealed. This is the way He has chosen to reveal His kingdom to this world.

till next time
martin

The Real Deal

(this is our most recent Ezine, Apostolic notes)

One day, while at my favorite office (Starbucks) I overheard a conversation of two acquaintances discussing church and youth. There are those who state we live in pre-Christian culture today: the majority of society understanding very little about Christianity. A lack of Bible knowledge has led to a bag of mixed behaviors, many contradictory, all under the label of Christian. The result of these behaviors has produced a generation of young people who are cynical.

When you say to our youth of today, “you need to come to church,” their response is often “why?” Now the older generation would think this is a rebellious attitude. However, it is a sincere and honest question that needs to be answered. Why would they want to come to your church?

Let’s look at the reason for the question. Today's youth have a very good reason to be cynical. They are the product of a generation who’s goal was the acquisition of material things. Subsequently, these families suffered a higher divorce rate, these young people were “latchkey kids” overlooked by their parents as wealth and power were sought. The material things failed to fulfill the need of the young people for love and acceptance. Also, this generation has witnessed the failure of prominent individuals in society. In almost every arena; ministry, government, business, sports and entertainment, we see the fall of those that were considered role models. These figures, who previous generations would look to, have let down the younger generation. Therefore trust is severely lacking.

So this generation has a right to ask Why?

How does this apply to the church? First, the church is not a building, organization or even a local assembly. The church is people: those who have been called out of darkness to reveal a spiritual kingdom and it’s King. This translates into the fact that for the church to be attractive to this generation, WE must act in a way that reveals we are DIFFERENT.

This difference is not in our music style, how we dress for service, how the facilities are decorated or any other cosmetic aspect. This difference must be demonstrated in our DAILY LIVES.

1. How much do I act like Jesus?
2. How much power do I exhibit?
3. Do I resist the temptations of this world?
4. Do I tell the truth?
5. Do I take a stand even when the crowd is going in another direction?
6. Do I exhibit a love and acceptance of people like Jesus did?

Jesus’ first message was: “Repent : for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matt 4:17). The original text for kingdom means “royal power, dominion, rule” (Vine’s/Thayer’s). Jesus’ first message was that there is a dominion or rule from heaven that has come near. But He just didn’t preach about it, He demonstrated it: “And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people” (Matt 4:23). Jesus did not have a problem attracting people to his ministry. He did not use the latest fad or marketing program. He demonstrated what He preached. He demonstrated the power that was within Him.

I submit to you that the answer to the cynicism of today’s young person is the demonstration of the “dominion, rule and power” of heaven in our daily lives. Let’s make Jesus real.

Food for thought:
How do I demonstrate Kingdom dominion in my life?

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Where Do You Do Your Laundry?

This morning my wife and I were doing laundry - really spiritual huh? You see, we are in the middle of a transition, we have sold our home and have not found anther one yet, so we GO to the laundromat. Now you may be wondering what does this have to do with a blog about spiritual authority?

While we were at this facility, I remembered a story/testimony I had either heard or read. It seems there was this ministry couple, which do to their particular circumstances, also had to go to the laundromat to wash their clothes. During the repeated trips, they were able to reach and minister to a number of people, many who were born again and brought into the Kingdom.

The story continued, that when their situation had settled down and they purchased a house with its own laundry space, the wife still chose to go to the laundromat. It seems that over this period of time, she had developed a place of ministry that was outside of the normal confines of church.

This is the application of this story. To many individuals when we speak of a ministry, we think of a place within the confines or structure of the local assembly or building. Leadership works to establish various programs to not only minister to people, but to also create places for members to use their particular gifts in ministry. The idea is that it is all centered around a building or organization we call the church.

However, WE ARE the church. It is within each of the born again believers that He has placed His spirit and giftings. With these giftings, there comes a commission and a place of operation. While we do need certain programs and ministries at a local assembly, I believe the majority of giftings were given to use OUTSIDE the local assembly in the every day life of the believer.

In the great commission, Jesus said GO! It is in this going - that we will find a place of ministry for our giftings. This is what I believe this wife found - that when she went OUT to do her laundry, she was stepping into a place of ministry authority.

It is interesting to note, that much of Jesus' teaching and ministry took place OUT among the people. In fact, He was criticized because of the crowds He hung out with: harlots, publicans, tax collectors, fishermen, everyday sinners. Yet it was in the midst of these people, Jesus demonstrated the power of the Kingdom of Heaven.

We must think like Jesus, we must think Kingdom. When we are commissioned with apostolic authority, we are commissioned to GO. When we are using our giftings OUTSIDE of the four walls of the church is when we will see a confirmation of this authority we have been given.

So, let me ask: "Where do you do your laundry?"

till next time
martin

In His Image

A representative is "One that serves as a delegate or agent for another." – American Heritage Dictionary

Gen 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion…

This scripture gives us wonderful insight into God’s purpose for mankind. That Adam was created in the image and likeness of God. According to Vines, the word image means; "image or copy" of something in the sense of a replica. According to Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament, Likeness refers to the representational aspect of the image.

Adam was God’s image that he chose to reveal or manifest Himself to creation. Through Adam, an invisible God made himself visible. But more than a visible image, Adam purpose was to be a representational of God. As God’s likeness, he was to ACT as God’s representative thereby revealing the nature and characteristics of God by his actions.

This representational aspect of Adam’s purpose was not manifest when God gave him dominion. It was manifest when Adam obeyed God’s command and named the animals. God’s image and likeness was revealed to creation, not by Adams position, but by his obedient actions to the commands of God.

Being apostello or sent to operate in apostolic authority is to act as the Lords representative. It is manifesting an invisible God to this world.

till next time

martin

His First Message

Yesterday I began reading the Gospels again, this time from a specific mindset: I wanted to see beyond what I believe is a typical mindset. It seems that the common view of theses book is to present the story of Jesus coming, death, resurrection and how it can be made applicable to our lives. In short, it is about how He created a way of heaven for us. This concept simplifies it to the point that we are purchasing fire insurance or a ticket to some destination.

However, for a while now, I have felt there was more to it than just providing an escape for us. Some of my basis for this is the first message Jesus preached, found in Matthew 4:17. It states that" from that time (a point of beginning) Jesus began to preach and say 'Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." Notice what He did not say: "repent, confess, believe or be born again and get ready to go to heaven."

The focus of His message was to change your thinking (look up the definition of repent) because the rule, dominion or realm (look up the definition of kingdom) of a spirit realm is here. Jesus first message was one of dominion, authority or power. He then proceeded to demonstrate this kingdom by manifesting it's power.

• Matt 4:23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. 24 And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.

Jesus proceeded to demonstrate the authority of His kingdom over the kingdom of this world. Further, in John 17:18, Jesus states that as he was sent into the world, he was sending us. We are to continue to fulfill the mission He started of calling others into His kingdom.

Till next time
martin

The Purpose of Apostolic Authority

We have defined what apostolic means and presented the basic components of what it means to be sent. I would think the question in someone’s mind is “What is the purpose of apostolic authority?” Well, to answer this, I think we must first look at God’s purpose and then His purpose for creating man.

In my review of the scriptures, it is apparent that God’s purpose was to have His glory fill the earth. (Isa 6:3, Hab 2:14, Num 14:21). There are numerous other scriptures that declare that there will be one king over this earth and all nations will come and worship Him. (Ps 86:9, Zech 14:8, Rev 11:15). So…God’s purpose was to fill the earth with His glory!

If the earth was and is to be filled with His glory, what was God’s plan to accomplish this? By creating man in His image, giving him dominion and to multiply and replenish the earth (Gen 1:26, 28). Mankind was to bear fruit in increased numbers and fill, fulfill or overflow the earth with the image of God.

God’s purpose is to have this earth filled with His image and glory. His intent is to accomplish this through you and I; born again believer’s walking in His image and manifesting His glory. WOW! what an awesome place of privilege.

til next time-
Martin
more on this topic click here

Demonstration of Apostolic

There is a statement that has been around a while that is used in reference to the validity of something: "The proof is in the pudding." According to AskYahoo, the "phrase originated as "the proof of the pudding is in the eating." It means that the true value or quality of something can only be judged when it's put to use. The meaning is often summed up as "results are what count."

In apostolic authority, the fourth component of being sent is the completion or demonstration of the action is the proof that the individual was sent. It is when those that are apostello, actually go and do what they were ordered and commissioned to do or say. It was not how much they discussed or planned their actions - did they go and do it!

Operating in apostolic authority is doing what we have been sent to accomplish. It is only when we DO this, we can expect the authority of Jesus to be revealed in our lives.

food for thought
Are you acting on what you have been commissioned to do?
More information click here

Till next time
Martin

Knowing Our Place

Apostolic authority is based on being sent. It is acting as Jesus' representative, declaring the message or words that He has authorized us to speak. This was exampled when Jesus sent out the 12 disciples (Luke 9) and the 70 disciples (Luke 10). In each case He authorized and instructed them what to do and say.

Along with the orders to go and the commission of what to do and say, apostolic authority includes a place of operation. This may be a specific, city, country, group of people or a particular setting to operate in. Jesus himself said that he was "not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel" Matt 15:24. Jesus first and primary place of ministry was to the nation of Israel. In the natural world, ambassadors have authority to represent their home country in regards to the particular country they have been sent to.

In regards to our authority, we must not only know what we are to do or say, we must know where and to whom we are sent to minister.

Till next time
martin

Faith From Our Commissioning

Understanding our commission is crucial to operating in apostolic authority. It defines what we are empowered to do, thus giving us the liberty to operate. It is from this we can derive a faith and freedom to operate.

The centurion in Luke 7 knew his commission and freely operated in authority. It was demonstrated by his confidence in giving instructions to his servants with an expectation they would obey. It was this same authority he saw in Jesus when he stated that if Jesus would just speak it, his servant would be made whole. Jesus responded by saying He had not seen such faith in all of Israel. How did this relate to faith?

The centurion had faith because he understood what a commission was. He knew who had sent him and what he was authorized to do. Because of this, he had a freedom to act.

It is the same with apostolic authority. When we grasp what we have been commissioned to do, we can then demonstrate with faith. As we do what we were commissioned to do, we can expect the Lord to support us because we are operating according to His instructions.

Food For Thought
What is your level of faith? Do you know what you have been commissioned to do?

till next time
martin

Our Commissioning

The second component to the definition of apostolic is: those that are sent, are commissioned with a specific purpose.

A commission is;

“an authorization or command to act in a prescribed manner
or to perform prescribed acts.”

A clear example is seen in a military commission. “Commissioned officers in the military derive authority directly from a sovereign power and, as such, hold a commission charging them with the duties and responsibilities of a specific office or position. Wikipedia.” Spiritually, apostolic authority is receiving a commission from Jesus himself in John 17:18, Jesus states: “Just as You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world” AMP. In both instances the word sent is apostello, meaning to send out and it is from where we derive the term apostolic.

The centurion of Luke 7 understood his commission and was not afraid to exercise his authority. He states; “I am a man set under authority, I say to one go and he goes to another come and he comes.” This individual was operating according to his commission and those around him obeyed his authority.

The ability to operate with Apostolic authority is available when we are operating within the dictates of our individual commissions.

Food for thought:
Is your ministry involvment based on His commission?

till next time

martin

Sons of Sceva

In our day and time, there is an awakening in many hearts to the power and wonder of God revealed as He was in the lives of the first church. However, along with this, there are those who seek the power of God for their personal gain. This is seen in the example of the Sons of Sceva.


The sons of Sceva (Acts 19:14) were vagabond jewish exorcists. In their attempt to use what was probably to them the latest spiritual "thing" they attempted to cast a demon out of an individual. However, in this encounter ended in failure. The demon's response was the he knew Jesus and Paul, but did not know these individuals. He then proceeded to compel the man he possessed to physically attack these exorcists.

Why did this attempt at exercising authority fail? Let me suggest some ideas:

• First, there is no indication they were born again
• Second, they were attempting use authority for their own benefit
• Thirdly, and in my mind the most important - they were not sent. If they were not sent, there would not have been the authority to operate
  

The application of this to our lives is simple to state, maybe hard to do. We must make sure we are entering into a ministry based on His sending and not one of our own making. If he is sending, the authority will be there for us to operate in.

food for thought
if you are frustrated in ministry; did He send you there? or was it your idea?

till next time
martin